What’s Happening?
Reigning PBR Australia Champion Kurt Shephard claimed victory at the Monster Energy Tour’s Mackay event, delivering the highest-scoring ride of the 2026 Australian season.
The Mareeba cowboy scored 89.90 points aboard Last Post in the Championship Round, marking the second-highest score of his PBR career. Despite wet conditions, Shephard went two-for-three and finished with a 176-point aggregate, collecting $7,300 in prizemoney.
The victory strengthened his position at the top of the national standings ahead of the PBR Australia Grand Finals.
Why It Matters
Shephard’s Mackay performance extended his championship lead as the 2026 Australian season approaches its conclusion. He now holds 2,758 points, placing him 289 points ahead of second-ranked Zane Hall from Athol, Queensland.
Brazilian rider Keny Roger de Oliveira sits third in the national standings with 1,970 points.
With championship points still available, the battle for the Australian title remains open.
Local Impact
The Mackay event featured leading PBR Australia competitors alongside young riders competing in the Can-Am Junior Academy.
Ronan Miosge from Sarina claimed the Rising Stars division with 71.80 points, delivering a home-region victory.
Meanwhile, Nate Wilson from Calliope, Queensland, won the Junior division with 69.00 points.
By The Numbers
- $5,000: American rider Hayes Weight received this bonus after winning Friday night’s competition in Mackay.
- 44.80 points: Dark Side, from Keliher Bucking Bulls, earned this score and the Bull of the Weekend title.
- 71.80 points: Sarina’s Ronan Miosge secured the Can-Am Junior Academy Rising Stars victory with this score.
Zoom In
Several other competitors delivered strong performances during the wet Mackay weekend.
Charlie Bailey from Oberon, New South Wales, finished runner-up with a 166.50-point aggregate.
New Zealand’s Rylee Ward placed third with 88.20 points. His performance also moved him into fourth place in the national standings.
American newcomer Hayes Weight, from Utah, won Friday night’s competition in only his second PBR Australia appearance.
Weight made his Australian debut at Kilkivan the previous weekend. He hopes to establish himself in Australia, subject to visa arrangements.
Zoom Out
The latest PBR Australia national standings show the top five riders heading into the final stages of the championship.
- Kurt Shephard — 2,758 points
- Zane Hall — 2,469 points
- Keny Roger de Oliveira — 1,970 points
- Rylee Ward — 1,255.50 points
- Kelsey Pavlou — 1,240.50 points
Meanwhile, the Can-Am Junior Academy recognised young riders from across Australia.
Bobby Berry from Gunnedah, New South Wales, won the Pee Wee division with 63.40 points.
In the Senior division, Hunter Ross from Boddington, Western Australia, and Nash Goddard from Glendon Brook, New South Wales, tied on 70.00 points.
Kyle Sternbeck from Willow Tree won the Challenger Series, with Cody Sternbeck finishing runner-up.
What To Look For Next?
The Monster Energy Tour continues with the Tamworth Iron Cowboy Invitational on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre in New South Wales.
The season then heads towards the PBR Australia Grand Finals on 13–14 November 2026 at the Townsville Entertainment & Convention Centre.
Shephard enters the final stages as the championship leader, with riders still competing for the Australian title.
